A.C.

Bridg
es
A.C.Bridges are those circuits
which are used to measured
the unknown resistances,
capacitance ,inductance
,frequency and mutual
inductance.
Wheat Stone
Bridge
Resistances can be measured
by direct-current ,as shown in
fig. a
Fig. a
R1 R4 R 1 R 3 = R 2 R4
R2 R3
Inductance and capacitance
can also be measured by a
similar four-arm bridge, as
shown in fig.b.
In this case the alternating
current source is employed by
a vibration galvanometer.
Fig.b
Maxwells
inductance Bridge
In the Maxwells inductance bridge
,there are two pure resistances used
for balance relations but on other
side or arms the two known
impedances are used.
The known impedances and the

resistances make the unknown

impedances as Z1 and Z2.Such a
network is known as Maxwells A.C..
Bridge. As shown in fig.
 Fig.
(R1 + jwL1 )R3 = (R4 + jwL4 )R2
Maxwells Wien
Bridge
In the Maxwells Wien Bridge the

positive phase angle of the

inductance may be compensated
by the negative phase angle of
the capacitance impedance put in
the opposite arm.
The unknown inductance then

becomes known in terms of the

capacitance. As shown in fig.
 Fig.

R2 R4 + jwL1 R2 = R1 R3 + jwCR1
R2 R 3
Anderson Bridge
In the Anderson Bridge the
unknown inductance is measured in
terms of a known capacitance and
resistance.
this method is capable of precise

measurements of inductance over

a wide range of values from a few
micro-henrys to several henrys and
is the best bridge method.
 Capacitance

Bridge
We will consider only De Sauty bridge
method of comparing two
capacitances the bridge has maximum
sensitivity when C2 = C3.
The simplicity of this method is offset
by the impossibility of obtaining a
perfect balance if both the capacitors
are not free from the dielectric loss.
A perfect balance can only be obtained
if air capacitors are used. as shown in
fig.
 Fig.
C2= C3 R1
R2
Schering Bridge
Schering bridge used for the
measurement of capacitance
and dielectric loss of a capacitor.
It is a device for comparing an

imperfect capacitor C2 in terms

of a loss-free standard capacitor
C1. As shown in fig.
 Fig.

C3 = C 2 ( R 1 / R 2 ) R3 = R 2 ( C 1
/ C2 )
Wien Series
Bridge
It is a simple ratio bridge and

is used for audio-frequency

measurement of capacitance
over a wide range. As shown
in fig.
 Fig.

R1=R2R4/R3 C1=C4(R3/R2)
Wien Parallel
Bridge
It is also a ratio bridge used mainly

as the feedback network in the wide

range audio-frequency R-C
oscillators.
It is may be used for the
measurement of the audio-
frequency but it is not as accurate
as the modern digital frequency
meters. As shown in fig.
 Fig.
C2 = R 2 = R 3
C1 R1 R4